FOUR Wee County men have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list for their services to sport, culture and education.

Duncan Scott, Timothy Allan, Craig Stewart and Thomas Bennett were all honoured for their services.

Clacks swimmer Duncan Scott, who became the first British athlete to win four medals at a single games, was recognised with an MBE for his services to swimming.

Scott won one gold and three silver medals in last year’s Olympics to become the first Brit to win four medals at a single games and also became the most successful British swimmer in Olympic history.

A modest young man, Scott, after etching his name in the history books, said: “It's probably not properly settled in.

"Each race I've tried to park when it's done and look forward to the next one.

"It was important I didn't bring in any disappointment or get too excited about what's happened."

Thomas Bennett, the director and founder of researchED – a grass-roots, teacher led organisation started in 2013 to bridge the gap between research and practice in education – received an OBE for his services to education.

Craig Stewart, who has been teaching at Dollar Academy for many years, received his MBE for services to young people in the town.

It is understood he has been a driving force behind the academy's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and world champion piping bands.

Timothy Allan, one of the deputy lord lieutenants of Clackmannanshire, received the highest honour of the quarter, having been made CBE for services to business, charity and the arts.

Clackmannanshire Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart congratulated all who received honours in the Wee County this year.

Speaking of Mr Allan, the retired Lt Col told the Advertiser: “He's an incredibly good man, he's done so much for so many people.

“The main reason he's got it is because he was president of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and has done an incredible job doing that.”